Indianapolis Colts

05/04/2012

Through the first seven picks, only Indianapolis kept its original draft spot. For example, the Vikings swapped their No. 3 choice for the Browns’ No. 4 pick. Additionally, Jacksonville moved up to No. 5 from No.7. As a result, they got Justin Blackmon, a wide receiver. Tampa Bay, at the new No. 7, got Mark Barron, a safety.

In one week, the arbitration hearing concerning the Redskins’ and Cowboys’ salary cap penalties. The anger at the two penalized teams stems from the fact that franchise tag salaries are based on the average top five salaries and bonuses at the position. The large bonus payments had an inflationary effect on the franchise player salaries. For example, the payment of a large salary to Miles Austin upset the Chargers organization. Austin’s big salary pushed up the franchise tag for the wide receiver position from $9.5 million to $11.3 million. However, the owners wanted the lockout and got it. Then, they got a fairly favorable settlement with what is to be projected to be a four-year run with a flat salary cap. They want these gains without dropping millions due to increases in the franchise tag that should have been expected following an uncapped year.